Shortstem Buckwheat
ExplorePlants
Shortstem Buckwheat
Eriogonum brevicaule
Shortstem Buckwheat is a small, lovely plant with bright yellow flowers. It grows close to the ground and loves sunny places, making it a cheerful sight in nature.
Habitat: Desert
Appearance
The Shortstem Buckwheat is a low-growing perennial with small, often gray-green or woolly leaves forming a basal rosette. It produces dense clusters of tiny, usually yellow or creamy-white flowers on short, leafless stalks. These vibrant flower heads stand out against the dry, muted landscapes.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyPolygonaceaeGenusEriogonum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its 'buckwheat' name refers to its seeds, which are shaped like tiny beech tree nuts!
Many desert insects absolutely love its cheerful yellow flowers for a tasty snack.
Some Native American tribes used parts of buckwheat for traditional medicines!
This tough plant can even grow on rocky cliffs where few other plants survive.
Special abilities
Ability
Drought Dodger
Shortstem Buckwheat can thrive in very dry places, using its deep roots to find water deep underground.
Ability
Soil Hugger
This plant has a mat-forming growth, helping to hold loose soil in place and prevent erosion.
Ability
Pollinator Party Host
Shortstem Buckwheat has many tiny, nectar-rich flowers that attract a crowd of buzzing bees and butterflies.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-30 cm
- Spread
- 20-50 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-3 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer to fall
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey bee
Apis mellifera
Collects nectar and pollen.
pollinates
Yellow-faced bumblebee
Bombus vosnesenskii
Visits flowers for nectar.
eaten by
Mule deer
Odocoileus hemionus
Browses on its leaves and stems.
pollinates
Hydaspe Fritillary
Speyeria hydaspe
Feeds on nectar from its blooms.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Symbiotic
Describes a relationship between two different species where they live in close association, often benefiting one or both.
Desert
Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch plants unless you know they are safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Shortstem Buckwheat?
10-30 cm
How wide does Shortstem Buckwheat spread?
20-50 cm
How big are the flowers on Shortstem Buckwheat?
1-3 cm
When does Shortstem Buckwheat bloom?
Summer to fall
Is Shortstem Buckwheat edible?
No
Is Shortstem Buckwheat toxic?
None
What is Shortstem Buckwheat's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Shortstem Buckwheat pollinated?
Insect
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